|
“The additional influx of cash to take care of basic needs could
reduce the number of Illinois children now living in poverty by
45%,” Robinson said. “I’m excited about it.”
Under legislation now being considered during the current
session in Springfield, working families making under $70,000 a
year and single heads of households making up to $50,000 a year
would receive a tax credit of $700 a month per child. Robinson
said the money would be “life-changing.”
Another proposal would give up to $300 a month for a child tax
credit for qualifying families.
Robinson said when a family's basic needs are met, that family
can focus on the future, a better job, education and home
ownership.
“I see the child tax credit as an investment in a family’s
future,” she said. “When parents are less worried about how they
are going to eat, how they are going to pay the rent, that
unexpected health bill, that unexpected car repair, whatever it
is, there is a little less stress.”
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Illinois has more
than 440,000 children, 16% of the children in the state, who
live in poverty. A four-person household with a combined income
of $27,500 a year is an example of a family living at the
poverty level.
“When it comes to the well-being of our children, Illinois is
not where we need to be,” Robinson said. Passing the child tax
credit would be a seismic shift, she said.
Robinson is heartened by the momentum on the issue at the state
legislature during the current session. Legislators return
Tuesday.
|
|
